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yesterday

Smith Faces Scrutiny Over Husband’s Participation in Rail Meetings

Critics cite past ethics rules after confirmation that David Moretta attended three provincial rail discussions on Calgary-Banff plans.

Then-Wildrose Leader Danielle Smith leaves a polling station with her husband David Moretta, left, in High River, Alberta to cast her ballot for the Alberta election Monday, April, 23, 2012.
Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley and husband Lou Arab, left, arrive for a provincial leaders debate with UCP leader Danielle Smith at CTV Edmonton on May 18, 2023.
Lou Arab and Rachel Notley after Ms. Notley’s victory in the 2014 NDP leadership race.
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Overview

  • Lou Arab, spouse of former premier Rachel Notley, criticized Premier Danielle Smith on social media for allowing her husband to join government rail meetings.
  • CBC reporting confirmed that David Moretta participated in three Alberta government sessions in 2023 focusing on the Calgary-to-Banff passenger rail proposal and broader rail planning.
  • Premier Smith and press secretary Sam Blackett assert that Moretta serves only as an informal adviser with no lobbying ties and that his attendance is permitted by law.
  • Opponents reference Alberta’s historical conflict-of-interest conventions, which barred past premiers’ spouses from policy influence, to call for formal disclosure rules.
  • The debate unfolds as Alberta advances feasibility studies and prepares a provincial rail master plan expected by year’s end.